Maintaining the trust and integrity of the Rice University community is a shared responsibility. In alignment with Policy 838, Conflict of Interest, all employees are expected to perform their duties with loyalty and in good faith, furthering Rice’s mission of education and research. A conflict of interest exists when an outside activity competes with the University’s interests or when a professional decision overlaps with an employee's personal or economic interests. This policy is interpreted expansively; we must disclose not only actual conflicts, but also be aware of the appearance of a conflict to ensure objectivity and fairness in all situations.

Policy 838, Conflict of Interest, is Rice's foundational policy, and it intersects with other specialized University policies. For instance, faculty and researchers should also consult Policy 216, Outside Activities, Conflicts of Interest, and Conflicts of Commitment in Research and Scholarship, and Policy 218, Disclosure and Management of Outside Activities and Outside Interests, for specific guidance on conflicts of commitment. Other critical related policies include Policy 419, Nepotism, related to both hiring and supervision, Policy 814, Procurement, related to purchasing and vendor selection. 

To help navigate this area with confidence, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new 15-minute Conflict of Interest training module for non-research conflicts of interest. This concise, practical session moves beyond definitions to provide real-world scenarios, such as how to handle family connections in vendor selection or managing vendor-paid travel and provides tools to identify and disclose potential conflicts before they arise. Our goal is to empower employees to make informed decisions that uphold Rice's high ethical standards. We will be sharing more information on how to access this training resource in the coming days.

If you ever find yourself uncertain about a conflict, the best course of action is to be transparent. Always consult with your supervisor in writing before engaging in the activity. For further guidance, the  Office of Ethics, Compliance and Enterprise Risk and the Office of General Counsel are available to help you and your supervisor craft an appropriate management plan. By staying informed and proactive, we ensure that Rice remains a leader in both innovation and integrity.